Best Dates for When Days Are Shorter: Cozy Ideas for the Season
As fall deepens and days get shorter, it’s the perfect time to cozy up with someone special and enjoy the season’s simple pleasures. From outdoor adventures to warm indoor activities, here are some date ideas to make the most of this time of year, no matter where you’re located.
1. Scenic Drives and Leaf-Peeping Adventures
Fall’s colors are on full display across many regions, making a scenic drive an easy yet beautiful way to spend a day. Pack up some warm drinks, queue up a favorite playlist, and enjoy the journey together. For a twist, make a game out of spotting different foliage colors or picking the best leaf photo.
2. Attend a Local Fall Festival
Fall festivals bring together everything you could want for a seasonal date—pumpkin patches, apple cider tastings, and corn mazes. Walk hand-in-hand through hayrides, test your luck at festival games, and make sure to grab some cozy seasonal treats. Many festivals also feature nighttime events like bonfires, perfect for warming up together.
3. Stargazing Under the Fall Sky
With fewer daylight hours, stargazing becomes an early-evening possibility. Fall offers clear skies ideal for spotting constellations and planets. Bring blankets, a thermos of hot cocoa, and maybe a stargazing app to help spot celestial sights. On some lucky nights, you might even catch a meteor shower.
4. Apple Picking Followed by Homemade Cider
Apple orchards are a charming place to spend a date, and apple-picking can turn into a fun team activity. Afterward, take your fresh apples home and make cider together. The smell alone will set the cozy autumn mood, and you’ll both enjoy a homemade reward at the end of the day.
5. Cozy Evening Around a Fire Pit
If you have a fire pit, set it up with blankets and marshmallows for roasting. Sharing stories around a crackling fire with warm drinks is a timeless and intimate way to enjoy the evening, with no frills needed. If you don’t have a backyard, many parks and campgrounds allow for safe fires in designated areas, making it an easy outdoor option.
6. Date at a Bookstore or Library
For those chillier days, try a warm, indoor date by exploring a bookstore or library together. Browse titles and share recommendations, and maybe even find a spot to read over a cup of coffee. It’s a quiet yet engaging way to connect over shared interests in books or new discoveries.
7. Seasonal Coffee Shop Hopping
For fans of autumn’s favorite drinks, plan a coffee shop or hot chocolate crawl! Try different seasonal specialties around town—from pumpkin lattes to spiced hot chocolates. This is a low-key way to explore local spots and find new favorites while staying warm and cozy.
The season might bring shorter days, but that doesn’t mean it’s short on ways to create lasting memories with someone special. Whether you’re leaf-peeping or sipping cider, these cozy date ideas let you savor all the season has to offer.
Looking to meet someone to share these experiences with? Try Iris Dating, the app that helps you connect with people who appreciate the little things. Download Iris today and start planning your next cozy adventure!